Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
Today, to qualify for a CEP grant, hopefuls must show popular support by raising a sum specified for their office in contributions between $5 and $340 and a number of donors must be future constituents. Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 About 75% of the Stoxx 600’s constituents are trading above their 200-day moving average, near the top of the range of the past decade. Sagarika Jaisinghani, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The coalition opposing the bill, which includes firms with a financial stake in the outcome, has published constituent letters making the human case against reform. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 This was still a season when every constituent part of the club — ownership, board, managers, players, fans — at times felt at odds with the other. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • The work begins each weekday morning, when members of the 10-person research team head out to collect samples from their daily list of traps.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lawmakers and family members have raised concerns about supply shortages, inadequate food, broken plumbing and mental health issues — and earlier this month, a sailor went overboard and was recovered, the Navy told CBS News.
    Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Preparing lunch together can also become a lesson in practical problem-solving, like figuring out which ingredients are better packed separately to avoid a soggy sandwich surprise.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Olay’s Micro-Sculpting Serum earned the Gellar stamp of approval thanks to its impressive ingredient lineup.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Emmy-winning actor has come forward as the individual Rhea Seehorn alluded to, but did not name, in a June Instagram post that revealed someone spilled wine on her at the Gotham TV Awards.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than simply helping users generate individual slides, NextSlide turns fragmented information from documents, prompts, workplace context, and other sources into a polished, presentation-ready deck.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • These elements are produced alongside californium-252 and need to be separated during processing.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Scandium is considered a highly strategic rare earth element because of its unique properties.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The second is another factor limited by the iPhone… the MacBook Neo 2 is expected to bump memory up to 12 GB.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Such filings typically chronicle the impact of a defendant's crimes, as well as his history, upbringing and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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